Uncovering a Hidden Player in Immunity: Myeloid-Derived Complement Shapes the B Cell Response
Beyond its well-known role in innate immunity, the complement system serves as a powerful regulator of B cell responses. While the liver is the primary producer of circulating complement, multiple other cellular sources contribute to the complement pool—though these have long been considered redundant.
Challenging this assumption, our study reveals a previously overlooked but crucial role for myeloid-derived complement. Using a bone marrow chimeric model, we discovered that C3 synthesis by myeloid cells—a minor complement source—plays an essential role in shaping the humoral immune response to peripheral HSV infection. Given that a strong antiviral antibody response is critical for protection against severe HSV dissemination, our findings provide new insights into adaptive immunity and highlight an unexpected, yet vital, function of nonhepatic complement production.
This research redefines our understanding of complement biology and unveils new avenues for therapeutic intervention in viral immunity.
Published in Journal of Immunology. Use the link below to access the study: